• Consideration of the promotion of Police Officer Michael Anderson to Sergeant

Chairman Johnston stated that he had received a letter from Chief Thomas requesting that the Commissioners consider the promotion of one Police Officer to the rank of Sergeant to fill a newly authorized position.

Chief Thomas explained that he wished to change the organizational structure of the Police Department by increasing the number of authorized Sergeants from three to four. This change would improve the management of department operations. Currently, a senior Police Officer is acting as the Officer in Charge three days per week, and that this is always a different person. Adding a fourth Sergeant as a floater will give the department 40 hours of supervision per week. He said that the City Council would pass an Ordinance at their meeting on October 20, 2003 that would allow this change to be made. He would like the to assign the newly promoted Sergeant to operations as soon as possible, once the Council action is take. Officer Michael Anderson is next in line to be promoted. He said that Officer Anderson is an excellent candidate who has been with the department for eleven years. He said that Officer Anderson is currently working at least 30 hours per week as the Officer in Charge on his shift. He also stated that Officer Anderson commands the respect of his fellow officers.

Chairman Johnston added that he knows Officer Anderson is well respected within the community as well. Since the Council will pass the Ordinance on Monday night, he suggested that Officer Anderson’s promotion become effective on October 21, 2003. Commissioner Ubl agreed with this date. Chief Thomas said that the City Clerk can swear Officer Anderson in on Tuesday morning, and then he can be formally recognized at the Council’s first meeting in November.